Volunteer Hawaii News
When Other Means of Communication Fail
Amateur Radio Works!
Kevin Bogan, Emergency Coordinator for the American Radio Relay League’s Pacific Section, has dedicated his time and talents to improve communications during situations when telephones, cell phones, and other systems of communication have failed or were overloaded.
Kevin’s interest in amateur radio, also called “ham radio,” peaked after Hurricane Iniki in 1992. All forms of communication were down in Kauai. His home phone on Oahu was also dead and he had no way to talk with family members or friends. It was like being in the dark. After the incident, he learned that the Governor kept apprised of the situation in Kauai via amateur radio. He also learned about the important role amateur radio operators played in keeping Kauai residents informed.
Kevin launched a new goal to become a licensed ham radio operator. Operation of an amateur radio requires an operator’s license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). He studied hard and within a short period of time, he passed the exam. Kevin shared, “Now, with a push of a button, I am connected to a network of two-way radio operators who can give me assistance during an emergency.”
Kevin’s enthusiasm didn’t end there. As a member of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), an organization founded in 1914, Kevin has connections with ham operators all over the world. They share information and provide resources and support to one another. Kevin assures us that ARRL members are very supportive of one another and are willing to help interested volunteers study for the FCC test and pass it. Furthermore, for those who have been reluctant to obtain a license because of the Morse Code requirement, he said it is no longer required.
What’s his payback? Amateur Radio supports organizations, such as the American Red Cross, State Civil Defense, the Salvation Army, churches, and a host of other government and non-governmental agencies. By getting involved, Kevin, and other amateur radio operators like him are part of an important effort that helps people recover from disasters.
To learn more about getting involved, click here
RN Volunteering His Time and Making a Difference
Passion. Leadership. Giving
Brian Hartmus came to the Institute for Human Services (I.H.S.) in 2008 with a passion for helping those in need. Brian works full-time as an overnight Critical Care Registered Nurse and spends his off hours volunteering at I.H.S. doing whatever he can to help. It doesn’t matter how mundane the volunteer work, he does it. Not only does he not complain, but he usually shows up with warm, homemade baked goods in hand!
Passion. Leigh Smith, Volunteer Coordinator for I.H.S. said, regarding Brian’s attitude, “I’ve never once heard him complain or speak a negative word about another person. He’s the most positive person that I’ve ever met.” His easy-going nature has helped him form strong relationships with many people at I.H.S. and has made the workplace a better place to be. His flexibility has been a great asset in a world of changing demands and needs. Whether during a holiday or on weekends, Brian is ready to help even to the point of taking vacation time at work to help out at I.H.S.
Leadership. Over the past several years, Brian has organized and managed more than 100 volunteers for a Thanksgiving project. Under his leadership, I.H.S. distributed boxes of food to families across Oahu who otherwise might have gone hungry on a day that our Nation gives thanks for abundance. His “get it done” leadership attitude allows staff to complete their assignments with the confidence that things are done and done right. He has even improved the agency’s efficiency through his organization skills.
Giving. Brian doesn’t wait for the donations to roll in. If he sees a need that he can fill, he steps in to help. He has even spent hundreds of dollars on Christmas gifts for I.H.S.’s homeless guests. For example, toiletries, something that we don’t give much thought, are Christmas gifts that their homeless guests need and appreciate receiving. When Brian learned that they did not have enough to go around, he bought more to ensure that every guest had a gift.
It is no surprise that the employees at I.H.S. feel that Brian is an essential member of their family, but I would venture a guess that if you asked Brian who has gotten the most out of this relationship, he would say, Brian. That’s just the way he is.
CONGRATULATIONS TO HENRY COURTENAY
Winner of the 2010 Volunteer Hawaii Award
On April 16, 2011, Henry Courtenay, volunteer with The Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance (AHHA), was presented the 2010 Volunteer Hawaii Award at Aloha United Way's Spirit of the Community Award Luncheon (forward to 05:28 on the above video).
Henry’s volunteer work has included working as a Community Volunteer doing intakes for homeless clients, follow-ups, referrals, and providing incentives when needed (such as food packs, toiletry items, slippers, etc.) at the North Shore Resource Center in the Queen Lilioukalani Church (Haleiwa).
Henry has always taken his responsibilities seriously and has never refused an opportunity to help and even donates his time to building relationships with his clients when he is not volunteering with AHHA by doing outreaches in the North Shore Area where chronic homelessness is prevalent. He has been involved in different ways, such as participation in the PIT statewide count of homeless individuals, he attends meetings held in collaboration with other religious entities and churches to help solve the homelessness problem, started a professional band consisting of all homeless band members, and he is involved heavily with the North Shore Standing Homeless Committee as one of its members. He also continues to transport items on a weekly basis from AHHA’s main storage unit to their North Shore hub site without ever asking for gas monies to compensate him.
What makes Henry so exceptional is the passion that he has for a population that can be highly misunderstood and/or even feared. He is able to empathize very well with the clients while helping them out of their situations.
For more information about the band Henry formed, check out the Hale'iwa Band at: